Presentations look at early environmentalist

Aldo Leopold — a widely known early environmentalist and professor at the University of Wisconsin — will be the subject of several presentations Thursday, Oct. 18, at the Bettendorf Public Library.

Leopold, who died in 1948, is perhaps best known for his book, “A Sand County Almanac,” and from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tim Southwick Johnson will perform original songs based on Leopold’s book, using acoustic guitar, mandolin, tenor guitar, ukulele and harmonica.

From 3-4:30 p.m., there will be a discussion of the book. Copies are available for loan in advance. And from 6:30-8:30 p.m., the film “Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time’’ will be shown.

“Green Fire” is the full-length documentary made about Leopold, who was born in Burlington, Iowa. The film highlights Leopold’s career, tracing how his personal journey of observation and understanding shaped and influenced the modern environmental movement.

All presentations are part of the library’s ongoing series titled “Building Common Ground: Discussions of Community, Civility and Compassion,” presented in collaboration with River Action Inc.

Other upcoming programs in the series:

7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15: Presentation on environmental issues by Donna Buell, a lawyer from Spirit Lake, Iowa, who is the first person from the state to serve on the national board of directors of the Sierra Club. She will speak on advocating for clean water and grassroots advocacy.

1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17: Discussion of “Zeitoun,” by Dave Eggers, about a Syrian-American who stayed in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, traveling in flooded streets in a canoe passing out supplies. On Sept. 6, 2005, he disappeared.